Chapter 33: I Hate Silence

The rain pounded over me relentlessly. My legs shook, barely standing its weight. But I had to face him properly. My heart beat wildly, nervously, as I rang the doorbell. Clothes, hands, everything drenched in the rain as the door opened.

"YATA?!" Jishi's voice echoed in shock before drowning under the rain. Relief invaded my exhausted heart as we both froze.

My eyes met his, as if reassuring it was him. Noticing his reddened eyes and the bags under his eyes. I bit my lip. My chest tightened as I recognized it's my fault.

"… Ah, what are you doing? You're all drenched. Come in," Snapping back to reality, his voice fired nervously. Quickly placing a smile on his lips.

The corners of his lips twitched. They're fighting to sustain his feeble smile. No, I can't stand it, this pitiful act. I didn't run here for this.

"I-I'M SORRY!!" my voice staggered frustratingly. Echoing over the rain towards Jishi.

"F-for having you make such a pained f-face. F-for not coming sooner, a-and..." As I struggled to talk, tears filled my eyes. But I… don't care anymore.

"And for not corresponding your feelings." My voice broke as I faced Jishi. Tears poured wildly as I did.

"I should be the one crying, no?" Jishi's voice flowed towards me gently. Looking up, I saw his lips curl into a playful smile. Contrasting with the tears streaming down his cheeks.

Coming closer, his arms wrapped around me. Despite the rain pouring wildly, I felt their warmth. It pierced soothingly through my drenched skin. And breaking the feeble silence between us, Jishi's voice echoed softly.

"I hate silence" To those words the rain's beating grew louder. As if tempted by Jishi. A crooked laugh left my lips as I nodded in agreement. Jishi too would only laugh as he pulled me into his house.

***

Stepping into his house, a war torn living room welcomed me. The changes of clothes atop the furniture; the cushions on the floor. My jaw dropped as my eyes swayed across this mine field.

"Sorry about the mess. I'd be lying if I said it was cleaner than this" His voice, though sore from crying, joked eagerly. Giving me a bright, burdenless smile. My lips climbed into a relieved smile at the sight.

"Well, lets get ourselves dried" He said before swiftly navigating through the living room. Taking a deep breath, I then prepared to navigate it myself.

After borrowing a towel and an oversized change of clothes, we sat at Jishi's room. Right in between the disasters present. An awkward silence drowned the room. My heart beat nervously as I eyed his disorganized room.

"So… how did you escape school?" reluctantly breaking the silence, Jishi spoke. To his question, my head went back to today's recess.

***

Realizing Jishi was absent made my heart sink. Dispirited, I sat in the rooftop's corner. Reluctantly chewing at my sandwich. Clouds gathered above me. As they did a familiar storm crashed into the area.

"Hellooo!! Oh," Ray barged in thunderously. Setting her eyes on me, she gave an energetic greeting. Only to dial back the energy as she approached.

"Whats wrong?" Her eyes glowed worriedly. And though I neglected to reply, her insistence finally broke me.

"Oh, that's… heavy. So you're just going to sit here?" Her face was perfectly serious. Unwavering, her voice rang serenely across the roof.

"Eh?" confused, a sudden shock hit me. But before I could pull myself together, she continued.

"Are you going to leave all of it as is? Seriously? After pushing so hard for my sake? I don't quite believe you," A smile shined below her golden eyes.

"B-but… w-what could I do?" My voice scraped as it struggled to form the words.

"You know where he lives, no?" Her smile grew brighter as those words reached my ears. Standing up, she continued.

"I mean, would you really abandon your best friend when he's hurting?" After letting her poke fun at me for a little longer, I stood up. Understanding she was right, I could only ask one thing of her.

"C-could y-you help me?" Through my crooked voice echoed my resolve. Surprised, Ray stepped back before nodding. Her cheeks shining a bright pink. But that could've been me seeing things.

***

Snapping back to reality, I turned to Jishi with a smile. My hands then jumped into words happily.

"Ray helped me flee the school," A bit shocked Jishi pushed at me for details eagerly.

Time passed as we talked, just like always. In a noisy room filled with only our voices bouncing off the silent walls.